The idea of “winterization” may seem strange because it’s been warm, but still, these tips are useful.
The idea of “winterization” may seem strange. Recently, it’s been uncharacteristically warm in Maryland for the fall season. It’s still technically warm enough to enjoy your outdoor kitchen. However, when the weather finally becomes colder, it’s helpful to know how to prepare your outdoor kitchen. Upkeep is the key to keeping your home upgrades in excellent shape. You should know how to prevent damage to your countertops and outdoor kitchen as well. Here are a few outdoor kitchen winterization tips.
Turn Off Water Lines
We recommend locating and turning off the water lines that connect your indoor plumbing to your outdoor kitchen to prevent broken water lines and a damaged appliance during the freeze and thaw process. Use your indoor shutoff so that there isn’t any water in the pipes running outside.
Drain the Water Lines to Your Refrigerator, Sink, and Ice Makers
When you shut off your water lines, don’t neglect your refrigerator, sink, or any ice makers. If so, it can lead to unnecessary, costly repairs.
Protect Your Drain Valves from Freezing Water
To protect your drain valves from freezing water, you should properly position them and leave them open. Outdoor kitchens are generally low-maintenance. However, all of these small steps keep water lines from bursting.
Clean Your Refrigerator and Unplug It
Just as you would clean your indoor fridge, you should clean your outdoor refrigerator. However, unlike your indoor fridge, you should switch off the power and unplug it. Remove any food products and clean it out with a mild soap and water solution. Then, remove the front grill, get rid of any dirt or debris, and put the front grill back. We suggest not covering the refrigerator during the winter due to moisture accumulation and potential damage.
Additional Winterization Tips
- Please remove any remaining ice from your ice maker and clean it out as well as switching off the power.
- Clean out your sink.
- Degrease your grill and use a stainless steel polisher where applicable.
- Seal your granite countertop if you didn’t during the summer. It prevents stains!
The Benefits of An Outdoor Kitchen
When you own an outdoor kitchen, it makes your home more valuable and entertaining and adds extra curb appeal. Plus, cooking outdoors makes the post-cooking cleanup process more manageable. You can throw away trash directly outside and keep various smells from the inside of your home. Don’t have an outdoor kitchen? Call us today!
QUESTIONS ABOUT OUTDOOR KITCHENS?
If you have questions about adding an outdoor kitchen to your home, Rock Tops Fabrication is here to answer them. Our trained professionals are here to make sure that your new custom bar, kitchen, and bathroom countertops are designed and finished in exactly the way you want it. We service Maryland, DC, and Virginia. Feel free to give us a call at 410-363-4257. For more information, tips, and tricks, and to see what we have been up to, be sure to follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Youtube, Pinterest, and Houzz.